Honda CBR300R tipped to lead sales

The Honda CBR300R is likely to become the top-selling motorcycle in Australia, taking over from the Kawasaki Ninja 300.

Honda CBF300R

The learner-approved Honda will undercut the Ninja by as much as $700 when it arrives in July. The non-ABS model will cost $5699 (plus on-road costs), compared with the Ninja at $6199. However, the ABS version will retail for $5999 compared with the green machine at $6699. It is expected that the ABS version will be the most popular which is good news as it means learners are opting for safety over budget prices. It is built in Thailand, which is how they have managed to undercut the Japanese-made Ninja.

The CBR300R is based on the popular CBR250R but with a longer-stroke engine and that means more power and torque. Honda quotes 22.7kW which is almost 7kW less than the Ninja but 27Nm of torque which matches the Kwaka. Meanwhile, Honda says fuel range has been “extended” to 390km however fuel economy has dropped from 3L/100km to 3.3 and the tank remains at 13 litres which is much smaller than the Ninja’s 17-litre tank.

Kawasaki Ninja 300

It comes with 37mm telescopic forks and Pro-Link monoshock rear suspension, retains the 250’s single front disc although slightly bigger and mag wheels. Most of the changes are in the front and the bodywork. It also has higher handlebars than the Fireblade, so it should be a comfortable sportsbike to ride.

The mini-Fireblade was unveiled last year at the 12th International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition in Chongqing, China, with Honda describing it as a global model.